Well, at least I hope Monumental, the upcoming film from Powder magazine and KGB Productions becomes politically important. Because it definitely looks progressive, athletically. As some of skiing’s best athletes pontificate in the trailer, the beauty and blissfulness of riding untamed snow in our national parks is unmatched. Optimistic thinking has the movie creating a broader understanding–or at least adding a layer that increases curiosity–of what ‘monumental’ year-around recreational resources these places are. And maybe a few more people will want to help protect them?
“We knew with all the press of the national parks’ centennial that few outlets would speak to the skiing experience in these wild places,” says John Stifter, Powder‘s former editor and now the executive producer of the storied outlet’s film division. “When KGB Productions came to us and said they’d like to film shorts within these parks we knew it had the potential for a longer feature film.”
With scenes from Yellowstone, Yosemite, Grand Teton, Glacier and Olympic National Parks, Stifter was definitely on to something. The unique angle, along with the news hit from the anniversary, seemingly adds pertinence to the film debuting October 20. Monumental will also make 19 stops across the country this fall.
Mixing athletic radness with higher thinking is always a tough ask. “It’s a ton of history juxtaposed with contemporary ski action and commentary,” Stifter said. “A pretty cool look at the old national parks system with a modern-day film and crew.”
